Former Montgomery County GOP chairman Robert Kerns posts bail

Former Montgomery County GOP Chair. Bob Kerns arrives at District Justices' Sobeck's court for arraignment on rape and other related charges Tuesday November 26, 2013. Photo by Gene Walsh / Times Herald Staff

COURTHOUSE — Court documents show former Montgomery County GOP chairman, Robert Kerns, posted bail Wednesday morning and is expected to be released from Montgomery County Correctional Facility sometime Wednesday.

Kerns, 66, was arrested and arraigned Tuesday, and had his bail set at 10 percent of $1 million. He paid $100,000 to satisfy the bail agreement.

Once out on bail, Kerns will have to refrain from any alcohol usage. He must also stay away from the alleged victim, be monitored by GPS and will submit to random alcohol testing. He is also not allowed to go anywhere that serves alcohol.

Kerns surrendered himself to Montgomery County Detectives Tuesday morning following a grand jury investigation into an incident where he allegedly drugged and raped a former employee after a work party at a restaurant in Blue Bell.

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According to the grand jury’s presentment, Kerns allegedly intended to drug and rape the victim after finding out her husband was away on business. Shortly after the alleged rape, the victim went to the hospital to be examined.

Montgomery County District Attorney, Risa Ferman, said the victim’s quick decision to go to the hospital after the attack allowed investigators to collect critical evidence that led to Kern’s arrest.

After rumors of an investigation for sexual assault surfaced from various anonymous sources, Kerns stepped down as the chairman of the Republican Party in Montgomery County on Nov. 14 after serving as the chairman of the party since 2008.

The Times Herald reported on Tuesday that Kerns is being charged with rape of an unconscious person, rape by causing impairment, sexual assault, three counts of aggravated indecent assault, two counts of indecent assault of an unconscious person, two counts of indecent assault by causing impairment, two counts of indecent assault without consent, simple assault, possession of a controlled substance with intent to deliver, possession of an instrument of crime with intent, possession of a controlled substance, unsworn falsification to authorities and tampering with or fabricating physical evidence.

He is scheduled for a Dec. 6 preliminary hearing in front of District Justice Sobeck.